WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.620 So, how many of you know what your responsibility is next? 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.020 You know what you're supposed to do. 00:00:35.240 --> 00:00:37.219 You know why it's necessary. 00:00:39.420 --> 00:00:47.159 And you know that in part, should you leave here this morning not encouraged, refreshed, convicted, 00:00:47.719 --> 00:00:56.140 that while I may be part of the problem, if you have not prayed for the preaching of the Word of God, 00:00:56.140 --> 00:00:59.840 you certainly own part of the matter. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:16.060 I am fully persuaded that praying does more for preaching than most people understand. 00:01:16.060 --> 00:01:22.900 And I would plead with you this morning that you pray for me. 00:01:23.719 --> 00:01:32.020 Now, let me tell you ahead of time that there are certain individuals this morning that this sermon is directed to. 00:01:32.019 --> 00:01:37.979 Now, sometimes people have walked away and said, were you preaching at me? 00:01:38.859 --> 00:01:42.560 And most of the time, that's not the case. 00:01:44.439 --> 00:01:47.340 Okay, here are the ones that I'm preaching to. 00:01:47.340 --> 00:01:55.460 Any of you here that have struggled with a lifelong battle for moral purity? 00:01:56.840 --> 00:01:58.359 Don't raise your hand and wave at me. 00:01:58.460 --> 00:02:01.320 But just if you're one of those, I'm preaching to you. 00:02:01.319 --> 00:02:10.719 If there are any of you here that have kind of a disposition towards being easily offended 00:02:10.719 --> 00:02:20.240 and not very happy with the fact that there are too few people who really like and love you 00:02:20.240 --> 00:02:21.579 and are engrossed with you. 00:02:21.580 --> 00:02:29.920 I am also preaching to you who are struggling with covetousness. 00:02:34.320 --> 00:02:42.320 I am preaching to those that are here today that have to admit they're still wrestling with indwelling sin 00:02:42.319 --> 00:02:44.739 and aren't very happy with that. 00:02:47.919 --> 00:02:49.079 Did I leave anybody out? 00:02:51.759 --> 00:02:52.699 Just curious. 00:03:03.240 --> 00:03:04.340 Just another word. 00:03:05.780 --> 00:03:08.680 You can pray that I don't get fired up to the point that I lose. 00:03:09.519 --> 00:03:11.280 I can get energetic. 00:03:11.419 --> 00:03:12.099 How many of you knew that? 00:03:12.319 --> 00:03:14.939 Most of the time I'm moderately calm. 00:03:16.799 --> 00:03:19.959 And lest you think this is put on, that's not the case. 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:30.759 Any of you who remember me in my previous life when I used to coach soccer can tell you that I was a very passionate coach. 00:03:30.759 --> 00:03:31.399 I want to keep it within the coach. 00:03:31.399 --> 00:03:49.120 I want to keep it within the bounds so that you can hear the word and be refreshed and convicted, encouraged, and instructed. 00:03:49.120 --> 00:03:52.439 So let's start with prayer. 00:03:54.439 --> 00:03:57.480 Again, focusing our hearts on Him. 00:03:57.479 --> 00:04:10.799 Father, prayer for us is the glad expression of Your sufficiency. 00:04:10.800 --> 00:04:11.439 We who have need. 00:04:11.439 --> 00:04:23.720 We who have need come to the only one who can satisfy the longings of our heart, 00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:24.360 who can't. 00:04:24.360 --> 00:04:45.000 Who can remedy the emptiness, who can strengthen the frail and convict sin, as well as draw the sinner to the cross. 00:04:45.000 --> 00:04:52.399 We are thankful this morning for the ministry of the indwelling spirit in the believer's life. 00:04:52.399 --> 00:04:56.279 And we revel in the truth. 00:04:57.959 --> 00:04:58.399 Amen. 00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:05.079 So my preaching this morning is going to take up John chapter 15, verse 25 through 31. 00:05:05.299 --> 00:05:09.560 And I will just start and focus your heart, if you will, there on verse 25. 00:05:09.699 --> 00:05:10.919 I'm just going to kind of look at this statement. 00:05:11.479 --> 00:05:15.159 These things I have spoken to you while I was still with you. 00:05:15.160 --> 00:05:19.920 That's where Jesus starts in our passage this morning. 00:05:21.460 --> 00:05:24.300 And I think it's fair for us to remind ourselves again. 00:05:24.300 --> 00:05:36.640 It helps us frame things to understand that here Jesus is speaking to His 11 disciples only hours in front of the cross. 00:05:36.639 --> 00:05:50.300 The synoptic gospels, the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, are relatively similar in that they spend a larger portion of their attention 00:05:50.300 --> 00:05:55.199 on the historical and factual part of the ministry of Christ. 00:05:55.199 --> 00:06:05.379 John, in contrast, spends very little on what Jesus did. 00:06:06.560 --> 00:06:14.000 And he spends a great deal on the theology underlying the person and the work of our Savior. 00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:27.899 And it is played out in this passage as well where we see five, six hours, just the last few hours of the Lord's life before His betrayal and then eventual crucifixion. 00:06:28.319 --> 00:06:38.360 There are four chapters, count them, there are four chapters, 13, 14, 15, 16, that deal with the brief time that Jesus was teaching His disciples. 00:06:38.360 --> 00:06:53.699 And as we look at this segment of teaching, I want you to understand that this chapter, these chapters in particular, are profoundly theological. 00:06:54.280 --> 00:07:02.319 And when we use the word theological, we're not talking about some abstract, irrelevant minutia that really is not important. 00:07:02.319 --> 00:07:11.279 We're talking about things that are profoundly valuable to the believer. 00:07:12.480 --> 00:07:16.639 In fact, I want to go on record and say this. 00:07:18.319 --> 00:07:31.180 Your joy, your satisfaction, your victory over indwelling sin is directly linked to the truths that we're going to be looking at. 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:40.819 Now, if you're sitting here this morning and there are aspects to your life, I'm talking to you, that you're not happy about, 00:07:42.980 --> 00:07:49.219 I would encourage you to understand that the word of God has truth for you for the sake and blessing of your well-being. 00:07:49.680 --> 00:07:59.879 And paying attention and tracking it and then absorbing it through the enabling of the Spirit of God is significant to your future and to your joy. 00:07:59.879 --> 00:08:07.740 Anyway, of all the Gospels, in fact, probably of all the New Testament authors, 00:08:08.519 --> 00:08:13.519 John spends more time talking about the Holy Spirit than any other author. 00:08:15.439 --> 00:08:20.300 We're going to see the ministry of the Holy Spirit play out over and over again. 00:08:20.300 --> 00:08:27.879 And I trust that one of the things that happens as a result of our attention to the Word of God is that you sit here and say to yourself, 00:08:28.340 --> 00:08:34.159 I am so thankful not only for my salvation, and I trust that it is something you regularly do, 00:08:34.320 --> 00:08:44.019 but you also say, and I am thankful, I am thankful for the indwelling Spirit of God that abides in me as a believer. 00:08:44.019 --> 00:08:54.659 However, teaching on the ministry of the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. 00:08:56.179 --> 00:09:04.559 And it's an area of Bible teaching that is often marked by a great deal of confusion. 00:09:04.559 --> 00:09:15.459 So much so that some have shied away to a large degree and done so at the hurt of their own soul. 00:09:16.679 --> 00:09:22.559 I mean, all of us here can point to one incident or another where we have seen individuals professing 00:09:23.079 --> 00:09:31.539 that certain characteristics of their behavior or certain theological truths were really kind of linked to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. 00:09:31.539 --> 00:09:34.759 And we've said, whoa, not in your life. 00:09:35.699 --> 00:09:36.579 I'll give you an illustration. 00:09:37.179 --> 00:09:40.179 A number of years ago, there was something called the Toronto Blessing. 00:09:40.719 --> 00:09:50.379 How many of you have ever heard about the artificial, inaccurate teaching that happened up in Toronto in particular? 00:09:50.539 --> 00:09:56.779 And it became an international movement where supposedly when people were filled with the Holy Spirit, 00:09:56.779 --> 00:10:04.139 they would bray like donkeys and they would roar like lions and it was the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:10:07.039 --> 00:10:09.539 Well, that kind of is a little off-putting to some of us. 00:10:09.620 --> 00:10:10.779 It's like, that's enough. 00:10:10.779 --> 00:10:22.279 I have to tell you that I was one of those individuals who at an earlier time in my life, 00:10:22.779 --> 00:10:30.120 there were experiences with individuals that supposedly were filled with the Holy Spirit 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:35.199 and were behaving in really odd, strange, unacceptable manners. 00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:36.980 And I thought, you know what? 00:10:37.039 --> 00:10:38.500 Whatever they have, I don't want it. 00:10:38.500 --> 00:10:41.620 And so I kind of, whoa, way back, way back, way back. 00:10:41.720 --> 00:10:41.919 You know what? 00:10:41.919 --> 00:10:42.240 Follow me? 00:10:43.899 --> 00:10:46.059 And as I have continued to study Scripture, 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:50.700 I have come to profoundly appreciate the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:57.879 And this morning, my aim is to preach with the enabling of the Holy Spirit 00:10:57.879 --> 00:11:05.620 and make the text of John chapter 14, verse 15 through 31 as clear as I can with His help. 00:11:07.259 --> 00:11:13.039 So let's begin in verse 25 and kind of step into the truth here and appreciate two great truths. 00:11:13.159 --> 00:11:15.439 One is the blessing of the indwelling Holy Spirit. 00:11:15.939 --> 00:11:17.439 And then, hey, here we go. 00:11:17.519 --> 00:11:18.519 This is a little cryptic. 00:11:19.659 --> 00:11:21.299 The blessing of knowing what we know. 00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:23.039 Now that, oh yeah, wait till you get there. 00:11:23.779 --> 00:11:26.759 Let's talk about the blessing of the Holy Spirit. 00:11:26.759 --> 00:11:29.659 Beginning there in verse 25, Jesus says, 00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:36.039 These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 00:11:36.860 --> 00:11:40.799 This little sentence here is actually a very interesting one 00:11:40.799 --> 00:11:47.840 because it is a reminder to us in the flow of John 13 through 16 00:11:47.840 --> 00:11:52.439 that Jesus is engaged in a farewell discourse. 00:11:52.440 --> 00:12:02.160 A farewell discourse is a particular form of communication that was very popular in the ancient world. 00:12:02.700 --> 00:12:08.600 And it was used as a means of putting some very, very important truths out front 00:12:08.600 --> 00:12:10.520 and kind of saying, this is important. 00:12:10.960 --> 00:12:15.440 And so if you were a literature major, you'd probably remember some of the farewell discourses 00:12:16.040 --> 00:12:18.440 that Shakespeare wrote into various plays. 00:12:18.440 --> 00:12:26.760 Some of you who are here that are older may have had a farewell discourse to your daughter or your son 00:12:26.760 --> 00:12:29.100 as they were leaving to do something important. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:33.660 I had farewell discourses with two of my daughters back there at that door 00:12:33.660 --> 00:12:35.380 when they were getting ready to walk down to the front. 00:12:35.780 --> 00:12:37.940 I had some very pointed things to say to them. 00:12:39.320 --> 00:12:41.160 And after that, I've got to tell you, 00:12:41.159 --> 00:12:47.259 for the most part, my counsel to my adult children has been far more limited than it used to be. 00:12:49.019 --> 00:12:50.959 I remember saying to my sons, 00:12:51.639 --> 00:12:57.019 as both of them left to go into the armed forces into basic training, 00:12:57.519 --> 00:13:02.139 I had very little succinct statements that were part of my farewell discourse. 00:13:02.339 --> 00:13:03.019 Here it is. 00:13:03.799 --> 00:13:08.399 I said, honor Christ and come back on your shield or with it. 00:13:08.860 --> 00:13:09.480 That was it. 00:13:09.480 --> 00:13:16.460 But farewell discourses were designed and they were used often to kind of drive home some very important points. 00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:21.580 And so here we have Jesus telling his disciples important things. 00:13:23.279 --> 00:13:29.139 And as he was delivering these final lessons and encouragements, 00:13:29.220 --> 00:13:33.500 I want you to know that he was expressing to his disciples his incredible love 00:13:33.500 --> 00:13:37.179 and the infinite value of his wisdom and counsel to them. 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:39.480 Put it this way. 00:13:39.539 --> 00:13:42.059 He wanted them to have hope and to succeed. 00:13:43.059 --> 00:13:47.080 And by the same extension, he has the same purpose for us as well. 00:13:47.159 --> 00:13:51.159 I want you to understand that these words here in John chapter 14 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:58.240 are profoundly significant and valuable to you as believers in relationship to the life you live. 00:13:58.879 --> 00:14:00.159 It's important to understand that. 00:14:01.299 --> 00:14:05.459 And so here we are, kind of in the middle of thinking, 00:14:05.699 --> 00:14:07.159 are these words really important? 00:14:08.439 --> 00:14:09.819 And what we're going to study. 00:14:09.820 --> 00:14:12.920 So I want you to stop just for a minute and do a little bit of self-evaluation 00:14:12.920 --> 00:14:17.780 and kind of get your value system out in front for your own sake. 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:18.860 Okay. 00:14:20.320 --> 00:14:23.760 How many of you honestly, everybody look up because I'm talking to you. 00:14:25.100 --> 00:14:29.379 How many of you honestly think that you would really ultimately be happier 00:14:29.379 --> 00:14:33.019 and well-served if you were better looking? 00:14:35.580 --> 00:14:38.820 I mean, you know, if you were better looking. 00:14:40.039 --> 00:14:42.039 Most of you looked in the mirror this morning and thought, 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:44.700 Sheesh, I am aging. 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:46.519 You know, other things that you thought. 00:14:46.720 --> 00:14:48.019 I wish I had a bigger nose. 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:49.139 I wish I had a smaller nose. 00:14:49.320 --> 00:14:50.559 I wish I had a flatter nose. 00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:51.820 I wish I had a pointier nose. 00:14:52.019 --> 00:14:54.379 I mean, there are lots of things about the nose you don't like. 00:14:57.120 --> 00:14:58.320 How many of you thought to yourself, 00:14:58.320 --> 00:15:03.400 Honestly, I would be happier. 00:15:04.020 --> 00:15:05.340 You're looking at my nose, aren't you? 00:15:05.520 --> 00:15:05.840 Stop. 00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:08.800 Some of you are thinking, 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:11.460 You know, I would be happier if I were more athletic. 00:15:13.140 --> 00:15:23.840 I mean, you know, if I could just be an NFL star or an NBA star, 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:25.280 you know, blah, blah, blah. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:26.960 That would make me happy. 00:15:28.320 --> 00:15:37.260 Oh, I would be happier if I really had more people like me. 00:15:39.040 --> 00:15:42.400 I mean, you know, why be followed on Twitter by 23 people 00:15:42.400 --> 00:15:45.840 when you can have, you know, 20,000K or whatever, you know. 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:49.000 It's like it would make me feel better about myself 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:52.600 every time I tweeted some dumb thing that everybody kind of tagged in. 00:15:52.600 --> 00:15:54.860 Ooh, Tim said something. 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:55.860 You know, yes. 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:03.480 How many of you think you'd be better off if you had more money? 00:16:03.639 --> 00:16:04.220 I mean, truthfully. 00:16:05.120 --> 00:16:07.100 How would you like a stipend 00:16:07.100 --> 00:16:14.560 of $10,000 per week? 00:16:14.559 --> 00:16:15.559 I mean, truthfully. 00:16:15.559 --> 00:16:16.539 A stipend. 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:19.699 That means you just get it because you're you. 00:16:20.539 --> 00:16:21.799 And it won't stop. 00:16:29.799 --> 00:16:33.399 I really bring that up because I want you to understand 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:34.919 that your value system 00:16:34.919 --> 00:16:40.259 will be expressed in whether or not you are overwhelmed 00:16:40.259 --> 00:16:41.939 and satisfied and blessed 00:16:41.939 --> 00:16:44.759 at the understanding of the ministry 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:47.339 of the indwelling spirit in your life. 00:16:47.340 --> 00:16:52.639 I saw an interesting YouTube clip the other day. 00:16:53.639 --> 00:16:55.740 There was a little girl, probably three or four, 00:16:55.820 --> 00:16:57.100 that came out to her father 00:16:57.100 --> 00:16:58.180 who was working on a computer. 00:16:58.360 --> 00:16:59.800 I don't know if he was playing a game or what, 00:16:59.840 --> 00:17:02.360 but he was really engrossed in that computer, 00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:03.100 a little laptop, 00:17:03.300 --> 00:17:04.980 and he was sitting on a stool, 00:17:05.100 --> 00:17:07.220 and she came out with this teeny little cup, 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:09.940 kind of plastic cup. 00:17:11.819 --> 00:17:13.000 She gave it to her daddy, 00:17:13.000 --> 00:17:16.000 and her daddy drank it. 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:17.120 Okay? 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:19.299 And she toddled back 00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:21.480 and came back another time, 00:17:21.679 --> 00:17:22.939 a little cup, little cup. 00:17:24.299 --> 00:17:25.500 And he drank it again. 00:17:25.619 --> 00:17:26.740 He's working on his computer 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:28.799 and having whatever's going on in his mind, 00:17:29.019 --> 00:17:31.159 and she does it a third time. 00:17:33.259 --> 00:17:36.240 And so the mother decides 00:17:36.240 --> 00:17:37.939 that she would kind of follow her daughter 00:17:37.939 --> 00:17:39.679 and see where she was getting this from. 00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:47.440 It was from the toilet. 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:57.740 Now, it was flushed, 00:17:57.980 --> 00:18:00.259 and it was fresh. 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:04.460 But you get my point, don't you? 00:18:05.160 --> 00:18:05.900 Now, listen to me. 00:18:09.019 --> 00:18:10.700 There are far too many here this morning 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:12.420 that are drinking water from the toilet 00:18:12.420 --> 00:18:15.480 instead of the water of the living word. 00:18:16.440 --> 00:18:17.480 How do I know that? 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:22.940 For one, because I've done it too. 00:18:25.240 --> 00:18:26.299 And I can tell you, 00:18:26.380 --> 00:18:27.860 when Tim is drinking toilet water, 00:18:28.860 --> 00:18:32.120 he is very easily discouraged 00:18:32.120 --> 00:18:33.319 and overwhelmed. 00:18:34.819 --> 00:18:37.440 He can be pretty surly and grumpy 00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:38.339 and unhappy. 00:18:38.339 --> 00:18:45.459 He can think that buying another tool 00:18:45.459 --> 00:18:47.539 or gun 00:18:47.539 --> 00:18:50.159 will really bring satisfaction. 00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:54.519 Or he can look with envy 00:18:54.519 --> 00:18:56.980 on things that God has given other people 00:18:56.980 --> 00:18:58.159 and think, why not me? 00:19:02.220 --> 00:19:03.339 That's toilet water. 00:19:06.179 --> 00:19:07.279 That's toilet water. 00:19:09.199 --> 00:19:10.220 And this morning, 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:12.819 I want you to understand 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:15.980 that when Jesus is talking to his disciples 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:17.759 and he says what he does there 00:19:17.759 --> 00:19:19.139 in verse 25, 00:19:19.339 --> 00:19:19.579 he says, 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:20.939 these things I have spoken to you 00:19:20.939 --> 00:19:21.919 while I was still with you, 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:22.759 but the helper, 00:19:24.439 --> 00:19:27.199 the Holy Spirit, 00:19:28.319 --> 00:19:30.240 whom the Father will send in my name, 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:31.659 he will teach you all things 00:19:31.659 --> 00:19:32.839 and bring you to remembrance 00:19:32.839 --> 00:19:35.039 all that I have said to you. 00:19:35.039 --> 00:19:38.799 You know, 00:19:39.519 --> 00:19:42.319 go back to that question I had for you. 00:19:42.379 --> 00:19:42.500 You know, 00:19:42.519 --> 00:19:43.139 when you thought about 00:19:43.139 --> 00:19:44.720 if I were a little more athletic, 00:19:44.940 --> 00:19:46.180 if I were a little better looking, 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.619 if I had a little more money, 00:19:48.019 --> 00:19:48.259 you know, 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:49.480 if I had more friends 00:19:49.480 --> 00:19:50.920 that were following me on Twitter, 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:52.619 that would make me happy. 00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:54.259 And I guess I think you need to understand 00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:55.899 that all of those things 00:19:55.899 --> 00:19:57.899 really are not the issue. 00:19:57.900 --> 00:20:00.440 And I wonder this morning, 00:20:00.540 --> 00:20:01.820 are you really overwhelmed, 00:20:02.420 --> 00:20:03.000 overwhelmed 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:06.300 with his goodness and the gifts 00:20:06.300 --> 00:20:07.680 or are you drinking 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:11.320 from that same insufficient source 00:20:11.320 --> 00:20:17.000 as the guy in the story? 00:20:19.060 --> 00:20:20.900 It's interesting to remind ourselves 00:20:20.900 --> 00:20:22.580 that Jesus was going to the cross. 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:25.220 He was going to be crucified. 00:20:25.220 --> 00:20:31.220 And in the face of all that lay in front, 00:20:31.339 --> 00:20:32.240 here he is. 00:20:32.700 --> 00:20:33.460 You ever wonder about 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:34.539 how much Jesus loves you? 00:20:34.600 --> 00:20:35.579 Here he is in the face 00:20:35.579 --> 00:20:36.519 of all that suffering. 00:20:36.860 --> 00:20:38.019 His primary interest 00:20:38.019 --> 00:20:39.839 was encouraging and comforting 00:20:39.839 --> 00:20:42.160 and strengthening his disciples. 00:20:44.759 --> 00:20:46.440 And in relationship to that, 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:47.860 he wants them to understand, 00:20:50.079 --> 00:20:50.319 hey, 00:20:50.319 --> 00:20:53.259 I am going to see to it 00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:54.079 that you receive 00:20:54.079 --> 00:20:56.919 the indwelling spirit. 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.659 And I want you to understand 00:21:01.659 --> 00:21:03.480 that as he speaks about this, 00:21:03.599 --> 00:21:05.460 he made that point repeatedly. 00:21:05.899 --> 00:21:07.559 You look back in verse 16, 00:21:07.639 --> 00:21:07.879 he says, 00:21:08.019 --> 00:21:09.200 I will ask the Father 00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:11.179 and he will give you another helper 00:21:11.179 --> 00:21:12.339 to be with you forever, 00:21:12.639 --> 00:21:13.919 even the spirit of truth. 00:21:16.019 --> 00:21:16.819 Verse 18, 00:21:17.119 --> 00:21:18.519 I will come to you 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:21.700 and then in verse 23, 00:21:21.900 --> 00:21:23.019 we will come to him 00:21:23.019 --> 00:21:24.920 and we will make our home in him. 00:21:25.299 --> 00:21:27.139 And Jesus is making it clear 00:21:27.139 --> 00:21:28.559 to his disciples repeatedly 00:21:28.559 --> 00:21:29.960 and that's one of the things 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:30.839 that you're going to find. 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:33.000 The profound significance 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:34.119 of the ministry 00:21:34.119 --> 00:21:35.900 of the indwelling spirit 00:21:35.900 --> 00:21:37.500 is something Jesus 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:39.259 kept on reminding 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:40.539 his disciples of 00:21:40.539 --> 00:21:41.700 and by extension, 00:21:42.119 --> 00:21:43.240 he wants you to know 00:21:43.240 --> 00:21:45.379 the blessing of having 00:21:45.379 --> 00:21:46.700 the indwelling Holy Spirit. 00:21:46.700 --> 00:21:48.100 and he wants that 00:21:48.100 --> 00:21:50.360 to be a significant truth 00:21:50.360 --> 00:21:52.299 in your life. 00:21:55.620 --> 00:21:56.960 So I would encourage you 00:21:56.960 --> 00:21:57.480 this morning 00:21:57.480 --> 00:21:59.200 to recognize 00:21:59.200 --> 00:22:00.960 we really should be 00:22:00.960 --> 00:22:01.519 overwhelmed 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:02.799 and blessed 00:22:02.799 --> 00:22:04.680 that we receive 00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:05.420 the Holy Spirit. 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:06.700 We should be 00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:08.500 overwhelmed 00:22:08.500 --> 00:22:10.340 and thankful. 00:22:10.980 --> 00:22:11.480 Hey, hey, hey, 00:22:11.620 --> 00:22:12.460 I want you to stop 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:12.960 just for a moment. 00:22:13.080 --> 00:22:13.539 Think with me. 00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:16.359 What kind of facial expressions 00:22:16.359 --> 00:22:17.700 would you expect 00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:19.940 from a wife 00:22:19.940 --> 00:22:23.180 if the husband came home 00:22:23.180 --> 00:22:24.960 on Valentine's Day 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:25.879 and brought her flowers? 00:22:26.420 --> 00:22:28.019 What would be an appropriate 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:29.960 facial expression? 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:31.879 I'm just going to ask 00:22:31.879 --> 00:22:32.639 a couple husbands. 00:22:36.039 --> 00:22:36.720 John. 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:39.400 I mean, 00:22:39.579 --> 00:22:40.600 if she frowned, 00:22:40.680 --> 00:22:41.259 what would you think? 00:22:43.900 --> 00:22:44.299 Ooh! 00:22:45.640 --> 00:22:46.039 Okay. 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:47.900 Okay. 00:22:48.200 --> 00:22:48.500 Okay. 00:22:49.519 --> 00:22:49.900 Tom, 00:22:50.039 --> 00:22:50.860 what would you think 00:22:50.860 --> 00:22:51.480 if she frowned? 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:54.900 Yeah, 00:22:55.120 --> 00:22:55.880 there's something wrong. 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:56.380 Here I am. 00:22:56.420 --> 00:22:57.319 I'm doing a good thing. 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.860 There must be a lot 00:22:58.860 --> 00:22:59.279 of baggage 00:22:59.279 --> 00:23:00.400 behind the scenes, right? 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:00.759 It's like, 00:23:01.240 --> 00:23:01.779 did I forget 00:23:01.779 --> 00:23:02.680 to take out the garbage? 00:23:03.579 --> 00:23:03.819 No. 00:23:04.339 --> 00:23:05.160 Did I forget 00:23:05.160 --> 00:23:06.019 to make the car paint? 00:23:06.019 --> 00:23:06.220 You know, 00:23:06.299 --> 00:23:06.839 what are you thinking? 00:23:06.940 --> 00:23:07.639 What went wrong? 00:23:07.859 --> 00:23:08.119 Okay. 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:09.059 So, 00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:10.180 here's the thing. 00:23:10.599 --> 00:23:11.799 When I encourage you 00:23:11.799 --> 00:23:12.220 to know 00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:13.299 that we who are, 00:23:13.460 --> 00:23:14.059 I don't know 00:23:14.059 --> 00:23:14.720 if you're a believer 00:23:14.720 --> 00:23:15.119 or not. 00:23:15.200 --> 00:23:15.339 I mean, 00:23:15.379 --> 00:23:15.940 the truth of the matter 00:23:15.940 --> 00:23:17.099 is I don't read hearts. 00:23:18.099 --> 00:23:19.339 But here's what I do know. 00:23:19.420 --> 00:23:20.000 It's a giveaway 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:21.220 when people understand 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:21.720 the blessing 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:22.539 of the Holy Spirit 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:23.680 that they can't 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:24.639 at the same time 00:23:24.639 --> 00:23:25.279 they appreciate 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:25.900 that truth 00:23:25.900 --> 00:23:26.839 be a moody, 00:23:27.059 --> 00:23:27.359 sour, 00:23:27.559 --> 00:23:28.079 unhappy, 00:23:28.619 --> 00:23:30.319 self-focused person. 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:32.220 Does that make sense? 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:33.720 Nod your head 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.160 if you understood 00:23:34.160 --> 00:23:34.599 that point. 00:23:34.599 --> 00:23:35.919 Okay. 00:23:38.159 --> 00:23:38.639 So, 00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:40.079 let's think 00:23:40.079 --> 00:23:41.139 now of this passage 00:23:41.139 --> 00:23:44.559 because Jesus explains 00:23:44.559 --> 00:23:45.679 what the ministry 00:23:45.679 --> 00:23:47.099 of the Holy Spirit is. 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:47.959 The helper, 00:23:48.159 --> 00:23:48.779 the Holy Spirit, 00:23:49.119 --> 00:23:49.699 whom the Father 00:23:49.699 --> 00:23:50.879 will send in my name, 00:23:50.980 --> 00:23:51.899 he will teach you 00:23:51.899 --> 00:23:52.299 all things. 00:23:52.519 --> 00:23:52.519 00:23:52.719 --> 00:23:53.779 recognize that 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:54.379 the Holy Spirit 00:23:54.379 --> 00:23:55.339 is the teacher 00:23:55.339 --> 00:23:57.419 of spiritual things. 00:23:58.379 --> 00:23:59.559 He's the teacher 00:23:59.559 --> 00:24:01.559 of spiritual things. 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:02.659 Now, 00:24:02.699 --> 00:24:02.980 question, 00:24:02.980 --> 00:24:05.299 how important 00:24:05.299 --> 00:24:06.539 are spiritual things? 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:08.220 How important 00:24:08.220 --> 00:24:08.599 are they? 00:24:11.900 --> 00:24:13.259 They're profoundly important. 00:24:13.380 --> 00:24:13.559 In fact, 00:24:13.620 --> 00:24:14.259 they are the most 00:24:14.259 --> 00:24:15.079 important things. 00:24:16.339 --> 00:24:17.039 I think back 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:17.599 to the passage 00:24:17.599 --> 00:24:18.420 in the book of Exodus. 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.140 I believe it is. 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:20.799 I think it's Exodus. 00:24:21.480 --> 00:24:21.759 No, 00:24:21.880 --> 00:24:22.460 it's Deuteronomy 00:24:22.460 --> 00:24:24.039 where Moses 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:25.480 in his last sermons 00:24:25.480 --> 00:24:26.180 to his people, 00:24:26.620 --> 00:24:27.059 he says, 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:27.799 yea, 00:24:27.900 --> 00:24:28.980 he loved the people, 00:24:29.099 --> 00:24:30.599 he gave his law. 00:24:30.599 --> 00:24:33.039 Do you understand 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:33.879 that the Word of God 00:24:33.879 --> 00:24:34.859 is an expression 00:24:34.859 --> 00:24:35.839 of the love of God 00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:36.279 for you? 00:24:37.659 --> 00:24:38.059 I mean, 00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:38.899 it says that it has 00:24:38.899 --> 00:24:40.059 all that we need 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:41.219 for life and godliness. 00:24:41.379 --> 00:24:41.500 I mean, 00:24:41.559 --> 00:24:42.419 how much better 00:24:42.419 --> 00:24:43.459 does it get than that? 00:24:44.539 --> 00:24:44.859 And so, 00:24:45.119 --> 00:24:46.299 I want you to understand 00:24:46.299 --> 00:24:47.179 that the Holy Spirit 00:24:47.179 --> 00:24:48.339 is the teacher 00:24:48.339 --> 00:24:50.179 of spiritual things. 00:24:52.779 --> 00:24:53.919 I want you to recognize 00:24:53.919 --> 00:24:56.339 that without the help 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:57.119 of the Holy Spirit, 00:24:57.240 --> 00:24:58.000 we don't get it. 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:59.920 don't think 00:24:59.920 --> 00:25:00.480 that showing up 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:01.019 in church 00:25:01.019 --> 00:25:02.200 makes you smart. 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:04.099 Don't think 00:25:04.099 --> 00:25:04.740 that showing up 00:25:04.740 --> 00:25:05.299 in church 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:07.019 makes you learn. 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:09.019 Turn in your Bible 00:25:09.019 --> 00:25:10.440 back to Mark chapter 4. 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:12.900 By the way, 00:25:13.440 --> 00:25:14.099 bear with me 00:25:14.099 --> 00:25:14.619 because I'm going 00:25:14.619 --> 00:25:15.480 to preach my heart out 00:25:15.480 --> 00:25:16.359 and if it's past 12 00:25:16.359 --> 00:25:17.140 and you have to leave, 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:17.819 go for it. 00:25:19.799 --> 00:25:20.779 Mark chapter 4, 00:25:20.839 --> 00:25:21.359 verse 10. 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.279 And thank you, 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:22.559 John, 00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:23.140 for giving me 00:25:23.140 --> 00:25:24.099 a couple extra minutes. 00:25:24.180 --> 00:25:24.880 I will use it. 00:25:26.299 --> 00:25:27.440 Mark chapter 4, 00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:27.920 verse 10. 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:28.799 And when he was alone, 00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:29.660 now here's the story, 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:31.480 he told the parable 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:32.559 of the sower. 00:25:33.900 --> 00:25:34.559 And I want you 00:25:34.559 --> 00:25:35.240 to kind of imagine, 00:25:35.320 --> 00:25:35.620 we're not going 00:25:35.620 --> 00:25:36.360 to read all through this, 00:25:36.440 --> 00:25:36.920 but here's the, 00:25:37.820 --> 00:25:38.799 and when he was alone, 00:25:38.900 --> 00:25:39.559 those around him 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:40.039 with the 12 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:41.380 asked him about the parable. 00:25:41.720 --> 00:25:42.460 So get this. 00:25:43.340 --> 00:25:44.799 When Jesus was telling 00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:45.519 the parable 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:46.620 of the sower, 00:25:47.580 --> 00:25:48.460 the disciples 00:25:48.460 --> 00:25:49.019 who were kind 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:49.880 of the inner circle, 00:25:50.279 --> 00:25:50.460 I mean, 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:51.480 you can kind of imagine 00:25:51.480 --> 00:25:52.820 they were nodding 00:25:52.820 --> 00:25:53.559 their heads, right? 00:25:53.920 --> 00:25:54.120 I mean, 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:54.960 yeah, yeah. 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:56.019 Right on, Jesus. 00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:57.680 Nail him. 00:25:59.119 --> 00:25:59.779 Enthusiastic about 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:01.019 how he was getting 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:01.940 the truth out there. 00:26:03.059 --> 00:26:03.480 And you know, 00:26:03.519 --> 00:26:04.220 when the Pharisees, 00:26:04.680 --> 00:26:06.019 I don't understand 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:06.660 this parable, 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:08.579 there were the disciples 00:26:08.579 --> 00:26:10.000 at least faking it, 00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:10.259 right? 00:26:10.379 --> 00:26:11.259 Like they were really 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:12.500 involved in all of this. 00:26:12.559 --> 00:26:13.339 And then when they got 00:26:13.339 --> 00:26:14.779 in the private room 00:26:14.779 --> 00:26:15.279 with Jesus, 00:26:15.379 --> 00:26:15.920 what'd they say? 00:26:19.240 --> 00:26:19.639 Peter, 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:20.579 knowing how Peter 00:26:20.579 --> 00:26:21.339 would probably be, 00:26:21.420 --> 00:26:21.740 he'd say, 00:26:21.799 --> 00:26:22.059 you know, 00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:22.599 Jesus, 00:26:22.599 --> 00:26:24.139 I really appreciate 00:26:24.139 --> 00:26:24.679 that lesson. 00:26:26.199 --> 00:26:27.219 But Andrew's been 00:26:27.219 --> 00:26:28.000 having some trouble 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:29.079 with spiritual truth. 00:26:32.019 --> 00:26:33.179 Just for his sake, 00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:34.219 will you go back 00:26:34.219 --> 00:26:34.779 over this? 00:26:35.459 --> 00:26:36.299 The disciples 00:26:36.299 --> 00:26:37.179 didn't get it. 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:42.839 And here we are. 00:26:44.039 --> 00:26:44.959 An illustration 00:26:44.959 --> 00:26:46.399 that apart from 00:26:46.399 --> 00:26:48.679 the ministry 00:26:48.679 --> 00:26:49.879 of Christ 00:26:49.879 --> 00:26:51.000 opening up the word 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:51.819 and helping them 00:26:51.819 --> 00:26:52.740 understand it, 00:26:52.960 --> 00:26:53.880 they didn't get it. 00:26:56.900 --> 00:26:58.019 And we all know 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:58.779 that there are 00:26:58.779 --> 00:27:00.460 innumerable instances 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:01.819 where we, 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:02.799 like the disciples, 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:04.059 desperately need 00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:05.240 Jesus' teaching 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:06.279 to open our eyes 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:07.259 to spiritual truths. 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:08.839 Now recognize this, 00:27:08.920 --> 00:27:09.500 the disciples 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:10.400 did understand 00:27:10.400 --> 00:27:11.259 that that was part 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:12.099 of Christ's ministry 00:27:12.099 --> 00:27:12.599 to them. 00:27:13.599 --> 00:27:14.680 They appreciated 00:27:14.680 --> 00:27:15.339 the fact that 00:27:15.339 --> 00:27:16.380 he made the word 00:27:16.380 --> 00:27:17.539 clear and they 00:27:17.539 --> 00:27:18.279 could see it 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:18.980 and they could 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:19.920 understand it 00:27:19.920 --> 00:27:21.039 when he opened it up. 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:22.519 How do I know that? 00:27:23.580 --> 00:27:24.680 John chapter 6, 00:27:24.820 --> 00:27:25.940 the lengthy sermon, 00:27:27.500 --> 00:27:28.560 and at the end, 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.480 how does the crowd 00:27:29.480 --> 00:27:30.860 react to the teaching 00:27:30.860 --> 00:27:31.360 of Christ? 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:32.000 Does anybody remember? 00:27:33.340 --> 00:27:33.759 I mean, 00:27:33.800 --> 00:27:34.340 there are people 00:27:34.340 --> 00:27:34.900 who are saying, 00:27:35.300 --> 00:27:35.720 yes. 00:27:35.880 --> 00:27:36.720 No, they leave. 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:37.720 They leave. 00:27:38.580 --> 00:27:39.140 In fact, 00:27:39.360 --> 00:27:40.100 as the crowd 00:27:40.100 --> 00:27:41.200 is dissipating, 00:27:41.620 --> 00:27:42.279 Jesus turns 00:27:42.279 --> 00:27:43.019 to his disciples 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:43.420 and he says, 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:43.600 hey, 00:27:43.700 --> 00:27:44.200 are you guys 00:27:44.200 --> 00:27:44.880 out of here too? 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:45.680 And what does 00:27:45.680 --> 00:27:46.320 Peter say? 00:27:49.100 --> 00:27:50.120 Not in your life. 00:27:50.220 --> 00:27:50.600 You're the one 00:27:50.600 --> 00:27:51.640 who writes our check. 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:52.200 No, that's not 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:52.700 what he said. 00:27:52.860 --> 00:27:55.280 What did he say? 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.900 Where can we go? 00:27:59.740 --> 00:28:00.780 You have the words 00:28:00.780 --> 00:28:01.320 of life. 00:28:03.600 --> 00:28:04.580 What he was saying 00:28:04.580 --> 00:28:05.000 is this, 00:28:05.040 --> 00:28:06.840 is that he understood 00:28:06.840 --> 00:28:09.120 that Jesus was the one 00:28:09.120 --> 00:28:10.440 who opened up the word 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:11.560 and made it clear 00:28:11.559 --> 00:28:12.299 and beautiful 00:28:12.299 --> 00:28:13.599 and practical 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:14.700 and understandable 00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:16.119 and a joy 00:28:16.119 --> 00:28:17.059 to their heart. 00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:22.519 And so here we are. 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:25.480 We recognize 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:27.319 that in the face 00:28:27.319 --> 00:28:27.899 of the cross, 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.500 the disciples 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:29.659 had a legitimate 00:28:29.659 --> 00:28:30.539 concern for, 00:28:30.899 --> 00:28:31.279 well, who's going 00:28:31.279 --> 00:28:32.179 to help us understand 00:28:32.179 --> 00:28:33.059 the word in the future? 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:34.139 And Jesus says, 00:28:34.200 --> 00:28:34.559 hey, hey, 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:36.039 it's going to be okay. 00:28:36.039 --> 00:28:37.000 You are going 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:37.980 to have the ministry 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:39.200 of the indwelling spirit 00:28:39.200 --> 00:28:41.359 and he will teach you 00:28:41.359 --> 00:28:42.079 the word. 00:28:43.359 --> 00:28:45.399 He is our beloved teacher. 00:28:47.159 --> 00:28:48.359 That's good, isn't it? 00:28:48.919 --> 00:28:49.699 That's good. 00:28:50.500 --> 00:28:51.079 Listen to me. 00:28:53.000 --> 00:28:54.399 There are many of you here 00:28:54.399 --> 00:28:55.259 that have faced 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:56.699 at different times 00:28:56.699 --> 00:28:58.639 significant challenges 00:28:58.639 --> 00:28:59.299 and battles 00:28:59.299 --> 00:29:00.000 in your life. 00:29:01.319 --> 00:29:02.500 And I can tell you 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:03.519 ultimately the remedy 00:29:03.519 --> 00:29:04.539 to those challenges 00:29:04.539 --> 00:29:05.240 and battles 00:29:05.240 --> 00:29:06.559 have not come through 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:08.799 any other means 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:10.700 than the sweetness 00:29:10.700 --> 00:29:12.119 and the comfort 00:29:12.119 --> 00:29:13.460 and the truth 00:29:13.460 --> 00:29:14.379 of the word. 00:29:15.980 --> 00:29:16.879 He's our teacher. 00:29:17.639 --> 00:29:18.460 There's another thing 00:29:18.460 --> 00:29:19.079 that it says there 00:29:19.079 --> 00:29:19.659 in that passage 00:29:19.659 --> 00:29:20.460 in verse 25. 00:29:20.680 --> 00:29:21.319 It says this, 00:29:21.399 --> 00:29:22.379 going back to John 00:29:22.379 --> 00:29:23.759 chapter 14, 00:29:23.839 --> 00:29:25.139 verse 25. 00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:28.359 He will bring 00:29:28.359 --> 00:29:29.480 to your remembrance 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:30.579 all that I have 00:29:30.579 --> 00:29:31.319 said to you. 00:29:32.139 --> 00:29:33.180 Now, quickly, 00:29:33.299 --> 00:29:33.960 just for the sake 00:29:33.960 --> 00:29:34.859 of the argument, 00:29:35.579 --> 00:29:36.659 because when I say 00:29:36.660 --> 00:29:37.060 something, 00:29:37.180 --> 00:29:37.720 one of the things 00:29:37.720 --> 00:29:38.460 that I would plead 00:29:38.460 --> 00:29:38.800 with you, 00:29:38.840 --> 00:29:39.580 you always do, 00:29:39.920 --> 00:29:40.700 is you always think 00:29:40.700 --> 00:29:41.100 to yourself, 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:42.100 yeah, where is that 00:29:42.100 --> 00:29:42.580 in the Bible? 00:29:43.460 --> 00:29:43.759 Okay? 00:29:44.120 --> 00:29:45.140 Yeah, where is that 00:29:45.140 --> 00:29:45.600 in the Bible? 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:47.519 Yes, where is that 00:29:47.519 --> 00:29:48.080 in the Bible? 00:29:48.540 --> 00:29:49.400 We're in John 00:29:49.400 --> 00:29:50.320 chapter 2, 00:29:50.380 --> 00:29:51.080 verse 22. 00:29:51.620 --> 00:29:51.900 Remember? 00:29:52.200 --> 00:29:52.700 The Holy Spirit 00:29:52.700 --> 00:29:53.380 brings things 00:29:53.380 --> 00:29:54.040 to remembrance. 00:29:55.980 --> 00:29:56.800 When therefore 00:29:56.800 --> 00:29:57.640 he was raised 00:29:57.640 --> 00:29:58.320 from the dead, 00:29:58.400 --> 00:29:59.440 the disciples remembered. 00:30:01.540 --> 00:30:02.420 How many of you 00:30:02.420 --> 00:30:03.980 discover how frail 00:30:03.980 --> 00:30:05.180 your memory really is? 00:30:05.180 --> 00:30:07.940 I wrote something 00:30:07.940 --> 00:30:09.160 on my hand, 00:30:09.980 --> 00:30:11.100 and someone said, 00:30:11.180 --> 00:30:11.880 oh, that'll wear off. 00:30:11.940 --> 00:30:12.320 I said, well, 00:30:12.360 --> 00:30:12.940 actually, the ink's 00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:13.340 pretty good. 00:30:13.380 --> 00:30:14.380 It's good for two days. 00:30:15.440 --> 00:30:16.580 It is, I can tell you. 00:30:16.900 --> 00:30:18.060 I will shower tomorrow 00:30:18.060 --> 00:30:18.420 morning. 00:30:18.500 --> 00:30:19.340 It's a general habit 00:30:19.340 --> 00:30:19.740 for me, 00:30:19.860 --> 00:30:21.700 and it will still be there, 00:30:21.740 --> 00:30:22.460 and I'll remind myself, 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:23.519 oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:24.600 okay, and it's good 00:30:24.600 --> 00:30:25.320 for two days. 00:30:26.680 --> 00:30:28.000 There are things I forget 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:29.640 that come back to mind, 00:30:30.640 --> 00:30:32.880 and when that happens, 00:30:32.960 --> 00:30:34.100 I'm incredibly thankful, 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:34.859 and in this case, 00:30:34.899 --> 00:30:35.719 what we see is that 00:30:35.719 --> 00:30:36.819 it is Jesus 00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:38.379 who's given us 00:30:38.379 --> 00:30:39.099 the Holy Spirit, 00:30:39.199 --> 00:30:39.879 and the ministry 00:30:39.879 --> 00:30:40.559 of the Holy Spirit 00:30:40.559 --> 00:30:42.879 is to bring Christ's teachings 00:30:42.879 --> 00:30:43.779 to our mind, 00:30:43.899 --> 00:30:44.480 to our remembrance. 00:30:45.240 --> 00:30:45.899 John chapter 2, 00:30:45.959 --> 00:30:46.459 they remembered. 00:30:47.199 --> 00:30:48.419 John chapter 12, 00:30:48.519 --> 00:30:49.379 verse 16. 00:30:52.859 --> 00:30:54.279 His disciples did not 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:55.500 understand these things 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:55.959 at first, 00:30:55.959 --> 00:30:57.759 but when Jesus was glorified, 00:30:58.019 --> 00:30:59.019 then they remembered 00:30:59.019 --> 00:31:00.299 that these things 00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:01.579 had been written about him 00:31:01.579 --> 00:31:03.399 and had been done to him. 00:31:05.139 --> 00:31:06.460 The fact that the disciples 00:31:06.460 --> 00:31:07.819 remembered what Jesus 00:31:07.819 --> 00:31:08.859 had said and done 00:31:08.859 --> 00:31:10.559 is not to be attributed 00:31:10.559 --> 00:31:12.000 to their own intellect, 00:31:12.799 --> 00:31:14.299 their own memory, 00:31:14.899 --> 00:31:15.519 but to the work 00:31:15.519 --> 00:31:16.379 of the Spirit of God. 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:18.439 The Spirit of God 00:31:18.439 --> 00:31:19.919 who indwells every believer 00:31:19.919 --> 00:31:21.740 is at work bringing Scripture 00:31:21.740 --> 00:31:24.379 to mind in direct proportion 00:31:24.379 --> 00:31:27.079 to your exposure to it. 00:31:27.079 --> 00:31:29.119 How many of you 00:31:29.119 --> 00:31:29.759 have ever tried 00:31:29.759 --> 00:31:31.039 to access a hard disk 00:31:31.039 --> 00:31:31.599 and discovered 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:32.619 that if the information 00:31:32.619 --> 00:31:33.500 is not there, 00:31:33.819 --> 00:31:34.919 the program will not 00:31:34.919 --> 00:31:35.519 pull it up? 00:31:35.699 --> 00:31:36.519 You get that one? 00:31:37.299 --> 00:31:37.559 Okay. 00:31:39.199 --> 00:31:40.460 But if the information 00:31:40.460 --> 00:31:41.099 is there, 00:31:41.199 --> 00:31:42.119 and you have the right 00:31:42.119 --> 00:31:42.859 search tool, 00:31:42.939 --> 00:31:44.199 and you put in the right string, 00:31:44.419 --> 00:31:45.500 it'll come up. 00:31:47.699 --> 00:31:49.220 So when I tell you 00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:50.019 that the Holy Spirit 00:31:50.019 --> 00:31:50.919 is in the business 00:31:50.919 --> 00:31:52.199 of bringing things 00:31:52.199 --> 00:31:53.159 to remembrance, 00:31:54.359 --> 00:31:55.639 I want to make this point. 00:31:55.640 --> 00:31:57.560 Now, along with that, 00:31:59.300 --> 00:32:00.060 the Holy Spirit 00:32:00.060 --> 00:32:01.500 will not bring Scripture 00:32:01.500 --> 00:32:02.920 to mind where it has not 00:32:02.920 --> 00:32:04.500 been read or heard. 00:32:06.120 --> 00:32:06.560 Okay? 00:32:07.480 --> 00:32:08.180 It's not going to happen. 00:32:09.100 --> 00:32:09.560 By the way, 00:32:09.620 --> 00:32:10.320 just a little aside, 00:32:10.560 --> 00:32:11.259 I haven't said this 00:32:11.259 --> 00:32:12.000 for several weeks, 00:32:12.120 --> 00:32:14.500 so I'll say it again. 00:32:15.080 --> 00:32:16.240 When we are singing, 00:32:16.400 --> 00:32:18.300 I would always appeal to you, 00:32:18.360 --> 00:32:19.600 I would plead with you 00:32:19.600 --> 00:32:22.840 that you use our singing time 00:32:22.839 --> 00:32:24.699 as a little time 00:32:24.699 --> 00:32:26.599 to kind of encourage 00:32:26.599 --> 00:32:28.419 the ministry of the Holy Spirit 00:32:28.419 --> 00:32:29.480 in bringing Scripture 00:32:29.480 --> 00:32:30.179 to mind. 00:32:30.339 --> 00:32:30.919 Do you follow that? 00:32:31.159 --> 00:32:32.359 Are we singing words 00:32:32.359 --> 00:32:33.000 that are biblical, 00:32:33.399 --> 00:32:34.819 or are we just talking about, 00:32:35.119 --> 00:32:38.220 I go to the garden alone? 00:32:38.779 --> 00:32:39.859 You know, wonderful song. 00:32:40.259 --> 00:32:41.980 What does it have to say 00:32:41.980 --> 00:32:43.059 about the Bible? 00:32:43.419 --> 00:32:44.099 You know, I don't know. 00:32:44.099 --> 00:32:47.240 But I probably talked 00:32:47.240 --> 00:32:48.339 about someone's favorite hymn. 00:32:48.480 --> 00:32:49.579 Send me a note later. 00:32:49.579 --> 00:32:50.939 But here's my point. 00:32:52.579 --> 00:32:53.819 When you're singing, 00:32:54.939 --> 00:32:56.199 cross-reference what we're doing 00:32:56.199 --> 00:32:57.399 against the Bible, right? 00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:01.960 Now let me emphasize this truth 00:33:01.960 --> 00:33:05.879 in relationship to our Savior's life. 00:33:07.339 --> 00:33:08.720 How was it that Jesus 00:33:08.720 --> 00:33:12.179 invariably recited Scripture? 00:33:16.359 --> 00:33:17.799 Oh, He's the Word of God. 00:33:17.799 --> 00:33:21.259 Listen. 00:33:24.079 --> 00:33:25.700 The life of Christ 00:33:25.700 --> 00:33:27.500 serves as an encouragement 00:33:27.500 --> 00:33:30.200 to the average generic believer 00:33:30.200 --> 00:33:35.059 who enjoys the same blessed ministry 00:33:35.059 --> 00:33:36.359 of the Holy Spirit. 00:33:38.119 --> 00:33:39.700 By the way, this is a truth 00:33:39.700 --> 00:33:41.000 of Jesus' life, 00:33:41.159 --> 00:33:43.220 that He enjoyed the Spirit 00:33:43.220 --> 00:33:43.960 without measure. 00:33:44.059 --> 00:33:44.700 Do you know what it's saying? 00:33:45.180 --> 00:33:45.839 He had it all. 00:33:45.899 --> 00:33:46.500 He was full. 00:33:46.500 --> 00:33:49.880 And how did Jesus know? 00:33:50.619 --> 00:33:51.059 And by the way, 00:33:51.099 --> 00:33:52.440 when He argued with the Pharisees, 00:33:52.519 --> 00:33:53.880 when He was dying on the cross, 00:33:54.079 --> 00:33:55.799 when He was teaching His disciples, 00:33:56.180 --> 00:33:57.559 it was Scripture, Scripture, Scripture, 00:33:57.740 --> 00:33:59.299 Scripture, Scripture, Scripture, Scripture. 00:33:59.420 --> 00:33:59.880 You get that? 00:34:00.079 --> 00:34:01.140 It was always Scripture. 00:34:02.440 --> 00:34:03.420 Can you open your mouth 00:34:03.420 --> 00:34:04.059 and say something 00:34:04.059 --> 00:34:05.319 that's not biblical, Jesus? 00:34:07.559 --> 00:34:07.920 Okay. 00:34:08.400 --> 00:34:10.480 So how did He learn all this? 00:34:10.920 --> 00:34:12.039 How did He learn all this? 00:34:12.199 --> 00:34:13.260 Where did it come from? 00:34:13.699 --> 00:34:15.480 Look at Isaiah 50, verse 4. 00:34:15.480 --> 00:34:18.000 Isaiah 50, verse 4. 00:34:18.119 --> 00:34:18.820 Just quickly. 00:34:19.059 --> 00:34:21.420 This is a dynamite passage 00:34:21.420 --> 00:34:24.639 that encourages us to understand 00:34:24.639 --> 00:34:26.579 the ministry of the Holy Spirit 00:34:26.579 --> 00:34:28.199 in the life of Christ, 00:34:28.320 --> 00:34:31.059 but also to apply it to our own life. 00:34:31.280 --> 00:34:35.139 Isaiah 50, verse 4. 00:34:35.139 --> 00:34:35.739 Remember, 00:34:38.619 --> 00:34:40.920 this is a messianic passage, 00:34:40.920 --> 00:34:43.440 and it is talking about the Lord Jesus. 00:34:43.639 --> 00:34:44.719 And I want you to imagine 00:34:44.719 --> 00:34:45.739 that in the mornings 00:34:45.739 --> 00:34:47.219 when Jesus would awaken, 00:34:47.739 --> 00:34:49.659 the first thing that He would do 00:34:49.659 --> 00:34:52.359 is spend time in the Word of God. 00:34:52.360 --> 00:34:57.140 The Lord has given me 00:34:57.140 --> 00:34:58.640 the tongue of those who are taught 00:34:58.640 --> 00:35:00.280 that I may know how to sustain 00:35:00.280 --> 00:35:02.260 with a word him who is weary. 00:35:04.019 --> 00:35:05.740 Morning by morning, 00:35:06.019 --> 00:35:07.039 He awakens me. 00:35:08.400 --> 00:35:09.579 He awakens. 00:35:09.640 --> 00:35:11.240 He awakens my ear to hear 00:35:11.240 --> 00:35:12.680 as those who are taught. 00:35:12.679 --> 00:35:17.419 But the Lord has opened my ear, 00:35:18.059 --> 00:35:20.399 and I was not rebellious. 00:35:24.399 --> 00:35:26.219 I wonder about your devotional life. 00:35:30.139 --> 00:35:31.019 Listen to me. 00:35:31.019 --> 00:35:33.940 We're either swimming upstream 00:35:33.940 --> 00:35:35.280 against the struggle 00:35:35.280 --> 00:35:36.759 with our own heart 00:35:36.759 --> 00:35:38.199 and against the world 00:35:38.199 --> 00:35:39.079 that we live in, 00:35:39.179 --> 00:35:42.340 or we're drifting towards disaster. 00:35:48.280 --> 00:35:50.920 Now, here's a practical takeaway for you. 00:35:52.219 --> 00:35:54.340 The believer has received the Holy Spirit, 00:35:54.639 --> 00:35:56.579 and the full blessing of His indwelling 00:35:56.579 --> 00:35:57.739 is there for us, 00:35:57.860 --> 00:35:59.659 but we have to depend upon Him. 00:35:59.739 --> 00:36:00.880 We have to rely upon Him. 00:36:00.880 --> 00:36:02.180 We have to pray for His enabling, 00:36:02.420 --> 00:36:04.360 and we need to soak in the Word through Him. 00:36:05.900 --> 00:36:07.980 And if you are one of those individuals 00:36:07.980 --> 00:36:09.240 who finds your mind 00:36:09.240 --> 00:36:11.340 incessantly laboring 00:36:11.340 --> 00:36:12.760 under the consequences 00:36:12.760 --> 00:36:15.940 of an unholy thought life, 00:36:16.099 --> 00:36:17.780 there is no remedy for it 00:36:17.780 --> 00:36:18.539 just by saying, 00:36:18.680 --> 00:36:19.760 well, I don't want to do that. 00:36:21.340 --> 00:36:22.700 Bury yourself in the Word of God 00:36:22.700 --> 00:36:23.700 and allow the Word of God, 00:36:24.059 --> 00:36:25.460 enabled by the Spirit of God, 00:36:25.519 --> 00:36:27.099 to change the way you think, 00:36:27.340 --> 00:36:28.599 and with that change 00:36:28.599 --> 00:36:29.880 also comes deliverance 00:36:29.880 --> 00:36:31.619 and behavioral change 00:36:31.619 --> 00:36:32.340 that's profound. 00:36:34.440 --> 00:36:35.960 Now, before I go to the next point, 00:36:36.240 --> 00:36:36.800 and you're thinking, 00:36:36.920 --> 00:36:37.980 how is He going to get the next point 00:36:37.980 --> 00:36:38.700 done in four minutes? 00:36:38.760 --> 00:36:39.260 We'll find out. 00:36:39.920 --> 00:36:40.920 I want to read something 00:36:40.920 --> 00:36:41.860 from J.I. Packer 00:36:41.860 --> 00:36:43.039 in relationship to the Holy Spirit. 00:36:43.099 --> 00:36:43.760 Let me go slowly. 00:36:44.119 --> 00:36:45.980 I don't know if it's put up, 00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:46.500 but here it is. 00:36:46.500 --> 00:36:48.380 The Christian life, 00:36:49.019 --> 00:36:51.300 in all its aspects, 00:36:52.900 --> 00:36:55.460 intellectual and ethical, 00:36:57.199 --> 00:36:59.599 devotional and relational, 00:37:00.619 --> 00:37:02.079 the upsurging in worship 00:37:02.079 --> 00:37:04.599 and the outgoing in witness 00:37:04.599 --> 00:37:06.480 is supernatural. 00:37:07.579 --> 00:37:10.699 Only the Spirit can sustain it. 00:37:10.699 --> 00:37:16.480 Now, given the centrality 00:37:16.480 --> 00:37:17.679 of the doctrinal truths 00:37:17.679 --> 00:37:19.299 of the ministry of the Holy Spirit 00:37:19.299 --> 00:37:21.559 in the life of the believer, 00:37:21.779 --> 00:37:23.219 I have put most of the time 00:37:23.219 --> 00:37:23.879 on that point. 00:37:25.719 --> 00:37:27.839 Let's look at the second point 00:37:27.839 --> 00:37:28.799 this morning, 00:37:29.099 --> 00:37:30.259 and now is the time 00:37:30.259 --> 00:37:31.179 for you to really pray 00:37:31.179 --> 00:37:31.980 because some of you 00:37:31.980 --> 00:37:32.859 have this reflex 00:37:32.859 --> 00:37:34.579 that once you hit 12, 00:37:34.879 --> 00:37:36.139 you turn into a pumpkin. 00:37:36.339 --> 00:37:36.980 It won't happen, 00:37:37.079 --> 00:37:38.219 but just kind of let you know 00:37:38.219 --> 00:37:38.919 it's okay. 00:37:43.019 --> 00:37:44.759 Verse 27 through 31 00:37:44.759 --> 00:37:48.639 are verses that continue 00:37:48.639 --> 00:37:52.299 in the purpose that Jesus had 00:37:52.299 --> 00:37:53.759 in giving His disciples 00:37:53.759 --> 00:37:55.799 reason to not be anxious 00:37:55.799 --> 00:37:56.399 or troubled 00:37:56.399 --> 00:37:57.599 in the face of what was coming. 00:37:59.379 --> 00:38:01.359 And so, kind of to put it together here, 00:38:01.480 --> 00:38:02.319 understand this, 00:38:02.379 --> 00:38:04.179 that He was making it clear 00:38:04.179 --> 00:38:06.439 that the story was going to end well. 00:38:08.219 --> 00:38:09.779 And so, put it this way. 00:38:10.159 --> 00:38:10.599 He says, 00:38:11.139 --> 00:38:13.959 one, I'm going away to the cross 00:38:13.959 --> 00:38:16.179 and I will come to you 00:38:16.179 --> 00:38:16.919 through the ministry 00:38:16.919 --> 00:38:17.699 of the Holy Spirit. 00:38:18.879 --> 00:38:21.119 Second, my going to the Father 00:38:21.119 --> 00:38:22.079 is a good thing 00:38:22.079 --> 00:38:25.059 for His glory is the heart 00:38:25.059 --> 00:38:25.759 of my mission. 00:38:26.079 --> 00:38:27.339 Why did Jesus come? 00:38:27.719 --> 00:38:28.899 Yes, He came for sinners, 00:38:29.239 --> 00:38:30.399 but He came principally 00:38:30.399 --> 00:38:33.379 to satisfy the direction 00:38:33.379 --> 00:38:34.659 of His Father. 00:38:35.599 --> 00:38:36.939 His Father willed it 00:38:36.940 --> 00:38:37.900 and He did it. 00:38:39.179 --> 00:38:39.579 Third, 00:38:40.619 --> 00:38:43.260 He made the point very clear, 00:38:43.840 --> 00:38:46.039 Satan was not going to win. 00:38:47.039 --> 00:38:48.039 I like that. 00:38:49.059 --> 00:38:50.019 I like that. 00:38:50.880 --> 00:38:51.860 Well, with this in hand, 00:38:51.920 --> 00:38:53.220 let's go back to verse 27. 00:38:53.940 --> 00:38:54.639 Look at this verse. 00:38:56.380 --> 00:38:58.599 And if you are here this morning 00:38:58.599 --> 00:39:00.059 and you have a battle 00:39:00.059 --> 00:39:01.240 with your thought life, 00:39:01.239 --> 00:39:04.579 this is a real set 00:39:04.579 --> 00:39:06.859 of thoughts to hold on to. 00:39:07.219 --> 00:39:07.859 Verse 27, 00:39:08.359 --> 00:39:10.039 Peace I leave with you, 00:39:10.119 --> 00:39:11.319 my peace I give you, 00:39:11.639 --> 00:39:13.139 not as the world gives 00:39:13.139 --> 00:39:14.239 do I give to you. 00:39:14.319 --> 00:39:15.459 Let not your hearts be troubled, 00:39:15.579 --> 00:39:16.779 neither let them be afraid. 00:39:21.099 --> 00:39:22.199 Biblical peace 00:39:22.199 --> 00:39:25.239 is not so much a state 00:39:25.779 --> 00:39:28.079 as it is a relationship with Him. 00:39:28.079 --> 00:39:29.960 Biblical peace 00:39:29.960 --> 00:39:32.519 is not so much a state 00:39:32.519 --> 00:39:34.159 as it is a relationship with Him. 00:39:34.179 --> 00:39:34.940 I want you to understand 00:39:34.940 --> 00:39:38.259 the use of the word peace 00:39:38.259 --> 00:39:42.739 in theological settings 00:39:42.739 --> 00:39:45.179 and the use of the word peace 00:39:45.179 --> 00:39:46.199 in the world 00:39:46.199 --> 00:39:47.279 is radically different. 00:39:47.400 --> 00:39:48.239 Jesus made that point. 00:39:48.319 --> 00:39:48.500 He said, 00:39:48.799 --> 00:39:49.960 my peace I give to you, 00:39:50.139 --> 00:39:51.259 not as the world gives. 00:39:51.340 --> 00:39:52.340 Let's explain it this way. 00:39:53.940 --> 00:39:54.920 Biblical peace 00:39:54.920 --> 00:39:57.720 refers to wholeness, 00:39:58.559 --> 00:39:59.440 to oneness, 00:40:00.320 --> 00:40:01.240 togetherness, 00:40:02.240 --> 00:40:05.680 to peace that is settled 00:40:05.680 --> 00:40:07.740 and quiet and satisfied. 00:40:09.579 --> 00:40:12.659 The world uses the term peace, 00:40:13.380 --> 00:40:15.940 particularly in ancient Greek culture, 00:40:16.440 --> 00:40:19.400 peace was the brief moments 00:40:19.400 --> 00:40:20.940 between battles. 00:40:20.940 --> 00:40:21.139 peace. 00:40:23.760 --> 00:40:26.659 We have a treaty of peace. 00:40:28.820 --> 00:40:29.840 There is peace. 00:40:29.940 --> 00:40:31.139 Remember Neville Chamberlain? 00:40:31.340 --> 00:40:31.579 I mean, 00:40:31.760 --> 00:40:33.480 who as a student of history 00:40:33.480 --> 00:40:35.659 cannot remember Neville Chamberlain? 00:40:35.780 --> 00:40:37.380 We don't want to be a... 00:40:37.380 --> 00:40:38.019 Some of you are saying, 00:40:38.099 --> 00:40:38.519 who is that? 00:40:38.599 --> 00:40:38.940 Forget it. 00:40:38.980 --> 00:40:39.860 I'll stop talking about him. 00:40:40.139 --> 00:40:41.079 Hey, here's the deal. 00:40:41.940 --> 00:40:43.519 The world understands peace 00:40:43.519 --> 00:40:45.360 only as the brief interlude, 00:40:46.220 --> 00:40:46.679 break, 00:40:47.460 --> 00:40:48.579 between conflict. 00:40:48.579 --> 00:40:51.819 Well, I've got peace with my neighbor. 00:40:51.960 --> 00:40:53.039 Wait till you have another one. 00:40:54.639 --> 00:40:54.779 Huh? 00:40:56.019 --> 00:40:56.840 You know what? 00:40:58.639 --> 00:40:59.900 I want you to understand 00:40:59.900 --> 00:41:01.319 that in practical terms, 00:41:01.519 --> 00:41:02.259 our peace 00:41:02.259 --> 00:41:05.980 is inseparable 00:41:05.980 --> 00:41:07.159 from where we are 00:41:07.159 --> 00:41:09.000 in our relationship with Him. 00:41:09.480 --> 00:41:10.799 Will you hold on to that one? 00:41:11.420 --> 00:41:13.079 Our peace is inseparable 00:41:13.079 --> 00:41:14.799 from where we are 00:41:14.799 --> 00:41:16.460 in our relationship with Him. 00:41:16.460 --> 00:41:18.320 So let me solidify 00:41:18.320 --> 00:41:19.500 with a couple different verses 00:41:19.500 --> 00:41:20.559 that kind of amplify 00:41:20.559 --> 00:41:21.139 this truth. 00:41:21.260 --> 00:41:21.519 For one, 00:41:21.880 --> 00:41:23.820 Ephesians 2, verse 14 says, 00:41:24.199 --> 00:41:26.760 He Himself is our peace. 00:41:28.659 --> 00:41:29.119 Huh? 00:41:30.740 --> 00:41:33.579 He Himself is our peace. 00:41:34.880 --> 00:41:36.400 My friends don't like me. 00:41:37.280 --> 00:41:37.400 Huh. 00:41:38.159 --> 00:41:38.920 Jesus does. 00:41:38.920 --> 00:41:41.480 My friends 00:41:41.480 --> 00:41:45.599 think ill of me. 00:41:46.820 --> 00:41:47.840 Jesus doesn't. 00:41:50.300 --> 00:41:51.780 I would be happier 00:41:51.780 --> 00:41:53.980 if I were 00:41:53.980 --> 00:41:55.599 better looking 00:41:55.599 --> 00:41:56.780 or more popular 00:41:56.780 --> 00:41:57.900 or faster 00:41:57.900 --> 00:41:59.119 or had more money 00:41:59.119 --> 00:42:00.079 or, you know? 00:42:00.659 --> 00:42:01.039 No. 00:42:02.139 --> 00:42:04.380 He is Himself 00:42:04.380 --> 00:42:05.559 our peace. 00:42:06.760 --> 00:42:08.659 2 Thessalonians 3, verse 16. 00:42:09.299 --> 00:42:10.179 Now may the Lord 00:42:10.179 --> 00:42:11.299 of peace Himself 00:42:11.299 --> 00:42:13.500 continually grant you peace 00:42:13.500 --> 00:42:15.179 in, hold on to this one, 00:42:15.559 --> 00:42:16.940 every circumstance. 00:42:19.539 --> 00:42:19.819 Huh? 00:42:20.099 --> 00:42:20.879 How's that one? 00:42:22.899 --> 00:42:24.779 I wouldn't be remiss, 00:42:25.139 --> 00:42:26.239 I would be remiss 00:42:26.239 --> 00:42:26.980 if I didn't draw 00:42:26.980 --> 00:42:27.920 a sharp contrast 00:42:27.920 --> 00:42:28.899 in closing 00:42:28.899 --> 00:42:30.839 between the incredible blessing 00:42:30.839 --> 00:42:31.779 of peace we have 00:42:31.779 --> 00:42:32.619 in Christ 00:42:32.619 --> 00:42:34.460 and the absence of peace 00:42:34.460 --> 00:42:35.940 that is the characteristic 00:42:35.940 --> 00:42:37.039 of the unbeliever. 00:42:37.039 --> 00:42:41.980 I have to tell you, 00:42:42.019 --> 00:42:43.179 I confess to Pastor Saul 00:42:43.179 --> 00:42:44.480 that I was 00:42:44.480 --> 00:42:45.519 of the mistaken 00:42:45.519 --> 00:42:47.139 thought 00:42:47.139 --> 00:42:49.000 that after the elections 00:42:49.000 --> 00:42:50.000 things would kind of 00:42:50.000 --> 00:42:50.800 calm down 00:42:50.800 --> 00:42:52.980 in the arena 00:42:52.980 --> 00:42:53.679 of politics. 00:42:54.320 --> 00:42:54.840 Grossly 00:42:54.840 --> 00:42:56.199 exaggerated 00:42:56.199 --> 00:42:57.900 and ill-advised 00:42:57.900 --> 00:42:58.340 thinking. 00:42:58.480 --> 00:42:58.759 I mean, 00:42:58.860 --> 00:42:59.860 the world's a mess! 00:43:00.320 --> 00:43:01.179 What made me think 00:43:01.179 --> 00:43:02.940 that after November elections 00:43:02.940 --> 00:43:03.619 everything was going 00:43:03.619 --> 00:43:04.079 to calm down? 00:43:04.119 --> 00:43:04.619 It didn't! 00:43:06.980 --> 00:43:07.420 Why? 00:43:08.000 --> 00:43:08.380 Why? 00:43:09.859 --> 00:43:10.299 Well, 00:43:10.639 --> 00:43:11.219 in summary, 00:43:11.319 --> 00:43:12.139 let me put it this way. 00:43:12.799 --> 00:43:13.799 Passage over in Isaiah 00:43:13.799 --> 00:43:14.659 chapter 49, 00:43:14.759 --> 00:43:15.319 verse 22, 00:43:15.880 --> 00:43:16.819 and it is something 00:43:16.819 --> 00:43:17.559 that actually appears 00:43:17.559 --> 00:43:18.679 in three different frames 00:43:18.679 --> 00:43:19.380 in Isaiah. 00:43:19.839 --> 00:43:20.199 It says, 00:43:20.420 --> 00:43:21.159 there is no peace, 00:43:21.259 --> 00:43:21.699 saith the Lord, 00:43:21.759 --> 00:43:22.199 for the wicked. 00:43:23.480 --> 00:43:24.599 There is no peace, 00:43:24.880 --> 00:43:25.420 saith the Lord, 00:43:25.480 --> 00:43:25.980 for the wicked. 00:43:25.980 --> 00:43:26.099 There is no peace, 00:43:26.099 --> 00:43:26.679 saith the Lord, 00:43:26.059 --> 00:43:32.900 There is a part of me 00:43:32.900 --> 00:43:35.960 that is not the least bit 00:43:35.960 --> 00:43:37.639 troubled by the messy 00:43:37.639 --> 00:43:38.539 world we live in. 00:43:38.579 --> 00:43:39.159 Do you know why? 00:43:41.860 --> 00:43:42.340 Twofold. 00:43:43.039 --> 00:43:44.099 Because I can hear 00:43:44.099 --> 00:43:44.980 the words of Jesus 00:43:44.980 --> 00:43:45.719 in my ear, 00:43:47.299 --> 00:43:48.099 my peace 00:43:48.099 --> 00:43:50.079 I give to you. 00:43:52.699 --> 00:43:53.799 There's another reason 00:43:53.799 --> 00:43:54.779 that I am not the least 00:43:54.779 --> 00:43:55.360 bit put off, 00:43:55.360 --> 00:43:56.640 because here's what I know. 00:43:57.000 --> 00:43:59.099 Until I stop drawing breath, 00:43:59.280 --> 00:44:01.539 Tim Knoyer actually is here 00:44:01.539 --> 00:44:03.260 on a very simple 00:44:03.260 --> 00:44:04.780 and singular assignment, 00:44:05.039 --> 00:44:06.599 and that is to draw attention 00:44:06.599 --> 00:44:07.380 to people, 00:44:08.140 --> 00:44:09.340 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:44:09.840 --> 00:44:10.240 That's it. 00:44:11.660 --> 00:44:12.460 You know what? 00:44:13.320 --> 00:44:14.300 One of these days, 00:44:14.380 --> 00:44:15.039 I may retire. 00:44:15.360 --> 00:44:15.599 I mean, 00:44:15.640 --> 00:44:16.340 I plan to. 00:44:16.620 --> 00:44:17.480 I may die first, 00:44:17.480 --> 00:44:17.820 but you know, 00:44:17.980 --> 00:44:18.920 I plan to retire. 00:44:20.280 --> 00:44:21.200 And some people say to me, 00:44:21.240 --> 00:44:21.880 so what are you going to do 00:44:21.880 --> 00:44:22.519 after you retire? 00:44:22.640 --> 00:44:23.260 It's the same thing 00:44:23.260 --> 00:44:24.539 that I was doing before. 00:44:24.740 --> 00:44:24.820 You know, 00:44:24.820 --> 00:44:25.059 I was like, 00:44:25.120 --> 00:44:25.680 what are you doing? 00:44:26.680 --> 00:44:27.640 I get to tell people 00:44:27.640 --> 00:44:28.519 about the only person 00:44:28.519 --> 00:44:29.340 who can make a difference 00:44:29.340 --> 00:44:29.960 and they're messy, 00:44:30.080 --> 00:44:30.460 unhappy. 00:44:31.700 --> 00:44:33.519 Peace shattered lives. 00:44:36.320 --> 00:44:36.940 Isaiah said, 00:44:37.100 --> 00:44:38.019 there is no peace 00:44:38.019 --> 00:44:39.600 for the wicked. 00:44:41.519 --> 00:44:42.680 And so here's where we are. 00:44:42.820 --> 00:44:43.760 Repentance and faith 00:44:43.760 --> 00:44:44.539 and the finished work 00:44:44.539 --> 00:44:45.200 of Christ 00:44:45.200 --> 00:44:46.740 on the cross 00:44:46.740 --> 00:44:47.620 brings peace 00:44:47.620 --> 00:44:48.780 in this life 00:44:48.780 --> 00:44:49.280 and peace 00:44:49.280 --> 00:44:50.260 for all eternity. 00:44:54.260 --> 00:44:55.000 Last week, 00:44:55.100 --> 00:44:55.900 I spent some time 00:44:55.900 --> 00:44:56.600 with an individual 00:44:56.600 --> 00:44:57.480 who is nearing 00:44:57.480 --> 00:44:58.820 his home going. 00:45:02.380 --> 00:45:03.340 I don't mind 00:45:03.340 --> 00:45:04.240 being around believers 00:45:04.240 --> 00:45:04.920 that are dying. 00:45:06.860 --> 00:45:07.780 Do you know why? 00:45:10.080 --> 00:45:11.140 I'm okay with it. 00:45:11.139 --> 00:45:15.359 I know how their story ends. 00:45:18.000 --> 00:45:18.940 And if you are here 00:45:18.940 --> 00:45:19.500 this morning 00:45:19.500 --> 00:45:20.379 and you are a believer, 00:45:20.539 --> 00:45:21.379 let me tell you something. 00:45:21.480 --> 00:45:22.699 The story ends well 00:45:22.699 --> 00:45:24.079 and there's no reason 00:45:24.079 --> 00:45:24.859 while you're taking 00:45:24.859 --> 00:45:25.539 this journey, 00:45:25.719 --> 00:45:26.679 please listen to me, 00:45:27.679 --> 00:45:29.679 to be so out of sorts 00:45:29.679 --> 00:45:31.359 and so out of peace 00:45:31.359 --> 00:45:35.779 when he who has redeemed you 00:45:35.779 --> 00:45:36.980 is your peace. 00:45:36.980 --> 00:45:38.880 my heart breaks 00:45:38.880 --> 00:45:39.800 when I see that. 00:45:42.139 --> 00:45:43.099 There's another side 00:45:43.099 --> 00:45:43.619 to this. 00:45:46.539 --> 00:45:47.460 There's peace only 00:45:47.460 --> 00:45:48.679 through the Lord Jesus Christ 00:45:48.679 --> 00:45:49.679 and so I have to tell you 00:45:49.679 --> 00:45:50.639 that a hardened heart 00:45:50.639 --> 00:45:51.740 and refusal, 00:45:52.159 --> 00:45:53.159 listen please, 00:45:53.800 --> 00:45:54.559 please listen, 00:45:55.500 --> 00:45:56.280 don't look away, 00:45:57.559 --> 00:45:58.740 a hardened heart 00:45:58.740 --> 00:46:00.760 and the refusal 00:46:00.760 --> 00:46:02.219 of the offer of grace 00:46:02.219 --> 00:46:03.099 will bring you 00:46:03.099 --> 00:46:05.800 through a fitful life 00:46:05.800 --> 00:46:08.220 and will ultimately 00:46:08.220 --> 00:46:09.760 bring you to eternal judgment 00:46:09.760 --> 00:46:11.380 before God forever. 00:46:15.400 --> 00:46:17.360 And so it makes it fitting 00:46:17.360 --> 00:46:20.080 that my last words 00:46:20.080 --> 00:46:21.260 to all of you are this, 00:46:21.360 --> 00:46:22.600 be reconciled to God 00:46:22.600 --> 00:46:25.480 through the finished work 00:46:25.480 --> 00:46:27.500 of Jesus on the cross 00:46:27.500 --> 00:46:28.320 who paid the penalty 00:46:28.320 --> 00:46:29.660 for your sins 00:46:29.660 --> 00:46:31.840 and apart from whom 00:46:31.840 --> 00:46:32.900 there is no peace 00:46:32.900 --> 00:46:34.960 forever. 00:46:35.800 --> 00:46:37.580 Let's close in prayer. 00:46:40.980 --> 00:46:42.019 Our Father God, 00:46:42.880 --> 00:46:43.660 we understand 00:46:43.660 --> 00:46:44.200 that the purpose 00:46:44.200 --> 00:46:44.680 of preaching 00:46:44.680 --> 00:46:45.720 is to put people 00:46:45.720 --> 00:46:46.460 on the spot 00:46:46.460 --> 00:46:47.560 of saying yes 00:46:47.560 --> 00:46:48.660 or no to you. 00:46:49.780 --> 00:46:50.560 There are some believers 00:46:50.560 --> 00:46:51.300 here this morning 00:46:51.300 --> 00:46:52.000 who have allowed 00:46:52.000 --> 00:46:52.920 the struggles 00:46:52.920 --> 00:46:53.840 of their life 00:46:53.840 --> 00:46:54.860 to rob them 00:46:54.860 --> 00:46:55.420 of the peace 00:46:55.420 --> 00:46:55.980 that they have 00:46:55.980 --> 00:46:57.019 in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:46:57.019 --> 00:46:58.860 and lift up their eyes 00:46:58.860 --> 00:47:00.120 to see the beauty 00:47:00.120 --> 00:47:00.740 of the truth 00:47:00.740 --> 00:47:01.880 and the sufficiency 00:47:01.880 --> 00:47:03.039 of the ministry 00:47:03.039 --> 00:47:04.060 of the Spirit of God 00:47:04.060 --> 00:47:04.580 in the believer. 00:47:04.579 --> 00:47:06.039 Let them live at peace 00:47:06.039 --> 00:47:09.719 so they may bear witness 00:47:09.719 --> 00:47:10.619 to the peace 00:47:10.619 --> 00:47:11.759 that may be had in you. 00:47:13.759 --> 00:47:14.960 I pray for some 00:47:14.960 --> 00:47:15.960 who are here today 00:47:15.960 --> 00:47:16.779 whose hearts 00:47:16.779 --> 00:47:20.079 are hardened 00:47:20.079 --> 00:47:23.840 and only your Spirit 00:47:23.840 --> 00:47:25.079 can break through. 00:47:26.940 --> 00:47:28.299 Help them to understand 00:47:28.299 --> 00:47:29.259 that the turmoil, 00:47:30.259 --> 00:47:31.539 the dissatisfaction, 00:47:32.039 --> 00:47:32.980 the bitter memories 00:47:32.980 --> 00:47:33.539 of things 00:47:33.539 --> 00:47:34.139 that happened 00:47:34.139 --> 00:47:35.039 in the past 00:47:35.039 --> 00:47:38.759 will have no remedy 00:47:38.759 --> 00:47:41.519 apart from them crying out 00:47:41.519 --> 00:47:42.599 and asking Jesus 00:47:42.599 --> 00:47:44.480 to be their Savior. 00:47:45.480 --> 00:47:47.199 We ask this in Jesus' name. 00:47:47.719 --> 00:47:48.039 Amen. 00:47:48.039 --> 00:47:50.340 Let's stand together 00:47:50.340 --> 00:47:51.519 as we sing this morning. 00:47:51.519 --> 00:47:52.000 you